Being present may be one of the most difficult lessons to accomplish as humans in this generation. The attitude and heart posture of being present is in direct opposition of culture. It is the exact opposite and contrast to the current of the world, especially the western world. We are wired by culture, media and the economy, to be over-stimulated, distracted and gluttonous.

To be still, silent and in a place of solitude, is a scary thought for many. It’s a scary thought when all we have known is noise, restlessness and constant busyness. To be present, we have to use all of the tools of silence, solitude and stillness–which is focused attention. A heart and mind at rest…even in the midst of noise, action and options.

There are three things that can influence our ability to be present: comparison, contentment, and un-forgiveness. Comparison and contentment are two sides of the same coin. Comparison is not content in the now, what’s present, what’s available. Thanksgiving and gratitude are not fully present and a lack of contentment and peace begins. Un-forgiveness holds onto the past and cannot live fully present. Un-forgiveness also seeks what it doesn’t have and it’s never satisfied. Its only option to be present is to forgive.

Comparison, dis-contentment and un-forgiveness pull our heart and soul, our thoughts, into a false reality. It pulls us into the frequency, spirit and realm of fear. We are no longer present conscious, God conscious. We aren’t in thankfulness and gratitude, the very things Paul says opens the door to “God’s peace guarding our heart and mind.” (Phil 4:6-7) If we are anxious we aren’t present. If we don’t abide and cultivate God’s peace, we are toast.

Our inner world, our heart and spirit are tethered to our external world, if we let it. Without God consciousness, Presence and Spirit—there is no other choice but to latch onto the frequency, stimulation, and ways of the world. Christ, Glory Presence, Perfect love—is the only antidote.

God is now. His Presence is now. His Will is now. His Grace is now. His Mercy is now.

Comparison is the enemy of contentment. It is also the root that causes fear and a lack of peace. We are unable to be present and content, when comparison consumes our thoughts and consciousness.

Thanksgiving and forgiveness is the door to being fully present, and the door to being fully content. A lack of thankfulness keeps us in a mental state of not yet and living in tomorrow. A lack of forgiveness keeps us living in the past.

Thankfulness and forgiveness help us to be present, now — people.

— Kevin